Low hydraulic resistance cartridge

ABSTRACT

A cartridge for treating medical or biological fluid includes a first cap having an inlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartments and a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein each compartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid is adapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality of particles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to cartridges. More particularly, theinvention concerns to a low hydraulic resistance cartridges for use inprocessing medical or biological fluids.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cartridges are commonly used in the medical and pharmaceutical field forthe modification of the content of medical or biological fluids such asblood, blood plasma, blood serum, ultrafiltrate, dialysate, irrigationfluid and infusion fluid. Usually, a cartridge contains particles invarious forms that react with fluid, which is pumped through an inlet inthe cartridge. Cartridges can be used during dialysis to adsorbimpurities from a patient's blood. Other cartridge uses include; (2)exchanging substances from fluid against others contained in theparticles; (3) modifying substances in fluid by catalytic or enzymaticreactions; and (4) releasing substances into fluid.

During adsorption, molecules of medical or biological fluid flow throughthe cartridge between the particles and diffuse in all directions. Somemolecules are diffused in the direction of a particle and are absorbed.Diffusion time is largely dependent upon particle size such that largediameter particles require a much longer diffusion time for completeadsorption. On the other hand, the use of small diameter particlescauses an increase in a hydraulic pressure drop between the cartridgeinlet and outlet. For practical purposes such as power requirements,this pressure drop must be limited, especially when a plurality ofcartridges are used in series.

In view of the above, there is a need for a cartridge design thatreduces diffusion time with the use of small particles, but does notcreate a substantial pressure drop between the cartridge inlet andcartridge outlet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention alleviates to a great extent the above-noted andother disadvantages by providing a low hydraulic resistance cartridgethat permits the use of small sized particles, yet does not create asubstantial pressure drop between the cartridge's inlet and outlet. Thisis achieved by choosing a cartridge geometry having a large headersurface area and a short perfusion distance.

One aspect of the present invention involves a cartridge for treatingmedical or biological fluid including a first cap having an inlet forthe fluid, a container including a plurality of compartments and asecond cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein each compartmentcontains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid is adapted to flowthrough the compartments and react with the plurality of particles.

Another aspect of the present invention involves a cartridge fortreating medical or biological fluid including a first cap having aninlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartmentsand a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein eachcompartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid isadapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality ofparticles, further comprising a first filter located between the firstcap and the container, wherein the filters are adapted to preventparticles from exiting the cartridge.

A further aspect of the present invention involves a cartridge fortreating medical or biological fluid including a first cap having aninlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartmentsand a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein eachcompartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid isadapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality ofparticles, wherein the fluid contains impurities and the fluid reactswith the particles such that at least some of the impurities areadsorbed by the particles, wherein the fluid is blood and the particlesinclude activated carbon for removing impurities from the blood.

Yet another aspect of the present invention involves a cartridge fortreating medical or biological fluid including a first cap having aninlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartmentsand a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein eachcompartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid isadapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality ofparticles, wherein physiological ions are loaded onto zirconiumphosphate particles, wherein the fluid contains impurities, wherein thefluid reacts with the particles such that at least some of theimpurities diffuse to the particles and replace at least some of thephysiological ions and wherein at least some of the physiological ionsdiffuse into the fluid.

A further aspect of the present invention involves a cartridge fortreating medical or biological fluid including a first cap having aninlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality of compartmentsand a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, wherein eachcompartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid isadapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality ofparticles, wherein a beneficial or benign substance such as urease isloaded onto the particles and the fluid reacts with the particles,wherein the fluid contains impurities and the beneficial or benignsubstance modifies the impurities by enzymatic reactions.

An additional aspect of the present invention involves an apparatus fortreating medical or biological fluid, comprising a plurality ofcartridges connected in parallel, each cartridge comprising a first capincluding an inlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality ofcompartments and a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, whereineach compartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein a beneficialor benign substance such as an antibiotic is loaded onto the particles,wherein the fluid is adapted to flow through the compartments and reactwith the plurality of particles.

A further aspect of the present invention involves an apparatus fortreating medical or biological fluid, comprising a plurality ofcartridges connected in series, each cartridge comprising a first capincluding an inlet for the fluid, a container including a plurality ofcompartments and a second cap including an outlet for the fluid, whereineach compartment contains a plurality of particles, wherein the fluid isadapted to flow through the compartments and react with the plurality ofparticles.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beappreciated from review of the following detailed description of theinvention, along with the accompanying figures in which like referencenumerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembly inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view of an embodiment of an assembly in accordancewith the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described indetail by way of examples with reference to the attached drawings.Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shownshould be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on thepresent invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to anyone of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and anyequivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the“present invention” throughout this document does not mean that allclaimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).

As seen in FIG. 1, the present invention is directed toward a cartridge10 for the treatment of medical fluid or biological fluids. Thecartridge 10, which may be rigid or flexible, includes at least oneinlet 100 and one outlet 110. In some embodiments, the cartridge 10 ismade of a strong durable plastic such as clear polished acrylic.

As seen in FIGS. 1-10, a system 5 for treating medical or biologicalfluid comprises a cartridge 10 having a plurality of componentsincluding a first cap 20, a first filter 30, a container 40, a pluralityof separators 50, a second filter 60 and a second cap 70. Duringtreatment, a pump 80 forces the fluid through an inlet tube 90 and intothe cartridge 10 via inlet 100 in the first cap 20. After treatment, thefluid flows out of the cartridge 10 through outlet 110 in the second cap70 and into an outlet tube 120. To prevent fluid leakage, first andsecond gaskets 35,65 surround the first and second filters 30,60,respectively. According to one embodiment, the gaskets 35,65 are made ofsilicone rubber.

The caps 20,70, gaskets 35,65 and container 40 include a plurality ofapertures 120 dimensioned to receive fasteners 130. As seen in FIGS. 3and 5, a tool 140 may be used to tighten the fasteners 130. Both thefasteners 130 and apertures 140 may be threaded to facilitateattachment.

As seen in FIGS. 2-4, the first cap 20 includes fluid inlet 100 and aconical section 105. After the fluid is pumped through the inlet 100,the conical section 105 helps distribute the fluid substantially evenlyonto the first filter 30. Conversely, as seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, thesecond cap 70 includes a conical section 115 for funneling the fluidinto the outlet 110 after treatment.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 and 8, the gaskets 35,65 are dimensioned to fitaround the perimeter of the filters 30,60 to prevent leakage between thecontainer 40 and the caps 20,70. The filters 30,60 include a pluralityof apertures 55 shaped and sized to permit the passage of fluid whilefiltering out larger impurities in the fluid. The first filter 30 alsohelps evenly distribute the fluid before it enters the container 40,which can reduce channeling and pressure drops within the cartridge 10.The second filter 60 prevents particles from the container 40 fromexiting the cartridge 10 through the second cap 70.

As seen in FIGS. 9-12, the separators 50 divide the container 40 into aplurality of compartments 150. As seen in FIG. 11, according to oneembodiment, the separators 50 are arranged as a grid forming box-shapedcompartments 150. However, as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art, compartments of differing shapes and sizes could beutilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Asan example, the embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 features a plurality ofseparators 50 arranged at different angles such that the container 40 isdivided into compartments 150 having a triangular cross-section.

The separators 50 allow the passage of fluid, but not solids. Eachcompartment 150 is filled with particles 160 of solid matter adapted totreat the medical or biological fluid. The particles 160 may be in theform of small substances including, but not limited to, granules of anyshape, spherical beads, fibers, capillaries, porous blocks and gels.

The rate of diffusion is dependent upon the molecular weight of thesubstance to be adsorbed, the temperature and the diffusion distance.The use of porous particles 160 will significantly increases theeffective surface area for adsorption or reaction. However, this willreduce the rate of diffusion since, in order to achieve adsorption, asubstance from the fluid must diffuse to the surface of a particle 160,enter a pore, then diffuse to the inner structure of the particle 160.When medical or biological fluid is pumped through the cartridge 10, themolecules of the substance to be adsorbed are moving with the fluidwithin channels between the particles 160. These molecules diffuserandomly in all directions. Some molecules diffuse in the direction of aparticle 160, enter a pore and are adsorbed.

Since larger particles 160 have longer diffusion distances, they alsorequire much greater diffusion times. If the particle size is increased,the diffusion time will increase exponentially. On the other hand, ifthe particle size is reduced, the diffusion time will decreasesignificantly. Hence, the use of smaller particles is preferred forincreasing the rate of diffusion and the surface are for adsorption.However, the use of smaller particles greatly increases the hydraulicpressure drop between the cartridge inlet 100 and cartridge outlet 110.

The pressure drop at the cartridge outlet 110 results from theresistance of the particles 160 within the container 40 as the fluidflows through the container 40. Preferably, pressure drops should belimited since larger pressure drops require more powerful pumps andstronger tubing, especially when a plurality of cartridges 10 are usedin series.

The low hydraulic resistance cartridge 10 of the present inventionpermits the use of smaller sized particles 160, yet does not create asubstantial pressure drop between the cartridge inlet 100 and cartridgeoutlet 110. This is achieved by choosing a cartridge geometry having amaximum header surface area and a minimum perfusion distance. Forexample, as seen in FIG. 13, the maximum header surface is accomplishedby passing the fluid through the 16 compartments 150 of particles inparallel. The short perfusion distance is accomplished by choosing acartridge geometry featuring a minimal distance between the cartridgeinlet 100 and the cartridge outlet 110. Such a cartridge design mayfacilitate channeling, which is the formation of fluid conduits throughthe particles 160.

Channeling can dramatically decrease the effectiveness of the cartridge10. It may occur when the packing of the particle material is notsufficiently dense. Since the particle material may shrink or swellduring use, the cartridge geometry must also be capable of volumechanges without causing channeling. According to the present invention,the instance of channeling is greatly reduced by separating thecontainer 40 into a plurality of compartments 150. Because the particles160 are within the confined space of the small compartments 150,channeling paths are far less likely to develop than if the particles160 were otherwise loose within the container 40.

According to some embodiments, the cartridge 10 is used for adsorption,wherein the container 40 is a fixed bed adsorber wherein the particles160 are fixed within the compartments 150. To prevent channeling, thecompartments 150 should be substantially uniformly filled with particles160, if possible.

In adsorption, substances from the medical or biological fluid diffuseto the surface of the particles 160 where they are adsorbed. To increasethe active surface area for adsorption, the particles 160 are porous.Activated carbon is frequently used as an adsorption material to removepoisons from the fluid.

According to other embodiments, the cartridge 10 is used for substanceexchange. In substance exchange, substances from the medical orbiological fluid diffuse to the particles 160 and replace substancesattached to the particles 160. The latter substances diffuse away fromthe particles 160 and into the fluid. Zirconium phosphate can be used asa substance exchange carrier for exchanging ammonium ions against sodiumions.

According to other embodiments, the cartridge 10 is used for substancerelease. In substance release, beneficial or benign substances attachedto the particles 160 are released when they come in contact with thefluid. As an example, urease, insulin or antibiotics can be used assubstance release materials for modifying impurities within the fluid byenzymatic reactions.

As seen in FIG. 13, according to one embodiment, a plurality ofcartridges 10 are connected in parallel, whereby medical or biologicalfluid from a single source flows at a substantially equal rate througheach of the cartridge inlets 100. By testing this embodiment using aninjected substance, it has been shown that using a plurality ofcartridges 10 in parallel causes a lower pressure drop and significantlyless channeling. During such testing, the injected substance is injectedat the cartridge inlet 100 and a sensor is located at the cartridgeoutlet 110 so that the pressure drop can be measured. As seen in FIG.14, according to another embodiment, a plurality of cartridges 10 areconnected in series, wherein fluid is pumped into the plurality ofcartridges 10 through inlet tube 90. The fluid exits via outlet tube 120after flowing through each cartridge 10 in the series of cartridges 10.

According to some embodiments, the cartridge contains five layersincluding an activated charcoal layer, a urease layer, a zirconiumphosphate layer, a hydrous zirconium oxide layer and an activated carbonlayer. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that thiscartridge is similar to the commercially available RecirculatingDialysis (REDY) System. However, as would be understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, any number of additional or alternativecartridge layers could be employed without departing from the scope ofthe present invention.

In some embodiments, to reduce channeling, the carbon particles aremixed with the urease particles. In other embodiments, the carbonparticles are mixed with the rest of the particles and/or mixed withother fine powders.

The fluid pump 80 forces medical or biological fluid such as bloodthrough the cartridge 10. This pump 80 may be chosen from a groupincluding, but not limited to, a shuttle pump, piston pump, roller pumpand a centrifuge pump. Conventional power sources such as batteries canbe used to power the pump 80. Optionally, small fuel cells can be usedto provide a higher power density. According to one embodiment, ashuttle pump is used to pump the fluid because it saves energy andbecause it automatically stops pumping if the fluid contains too muchgas. This provides an inherent safety feature since the shuttle pumpcannot function properly if a certain amount of gas is present.

During use of the cartridge 10, gas bubbles in the form of carbondioxide, which is a bi-product of the conversion of urea to ammonium byurease, may be produced. Since these gas bubbles block the flow offluid, the efficiency of the system 5 is compromised. According to someembodiments, the carbon dioxide is removed as soon as it is producedusing a hydrophobic membrane that allows the passage of gas, but notfluid. The removed carbon dioxide can then be used to reduce the pH ofthe urea containing fluid before it reacts with urease in order tostabilize the pH at value of about 7 or 8. According to otherembodiments, the carbon dioxide is removed using an air pump or, ifpositive pressure is maintained in the cartridge relative to theenvironment, is released passively through the hydrophobic membraneusing this pressure gradient.

In some embodiments, the medical or biological fluid is blood. Toprevent the coagulation of the blood, an anticoagulent is constantlyinfused through the inlet tube 90. Suitable anticoagulants include, butare not limited to, heparin, prostacyclin, low molecular weight heparin,hirudin and sodium citrate.

Thus, it is seen that a low hydraulic resistance cartridge is provided.One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can bepracticed by other than the preferred embodiments which are presented inthis description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation, andthe present invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It isnoted that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in thisdescription may practice the invention as well.

1. A cartridge for treating medical or biological fluid comprising: acontainer housing defining a inner chamber having a chamber wall and aninput end and an outlet end, the container housing having an innerchamber length from the input end to the outlet end such that the innerchamber width is at least three times larger than the inner chamberlength, the inner chamber length measured in the general direction offluid flow through the filtering apparatus between the input end and theoutlet end; the input end having an outer wall and an inner wall, theinner wall defining an inwardly opening conical fluid distributionchamber having a fluid inlet at the apex of the conical fluiddistribution chamber; the outlet end having an outer wall and an innerwall, the inner wall defining an inwardly opening conical fluidcollection chamber having a fluid outlet at the apex of the conicalfluid collection chamber; a plurality of fluid permeable separatorsextending inwardly beginning proximate to the inner wall and into theinner chamber, the separators defining a plurality of open endedcompartments inside the container housing wherein fluid can flow throughthe separators and between the compartments and wherein solid particlesare retained by the separators in the compartments, the compartmentseach having a compartment length in the general direction of fluid flowthough the filter from the conical fluid distribution chamber to theconical fluid collection chamber, each compartment having a first openinlet end proximate to the conical fluid distribution chamber and asecond open outlet end proximate the conical fluid collection chamber,each open inlet and outlet end of the compartments having a dimensionacross the open end that is equal to or shorter than the compartmentlength; a first screen disposed between the conical fluid distributionchamber and the open inlet ends of the compartments, the screendistributing fluid flowing through the inlet and conical fluiddistribution chamber to the open inlet ends of the compartments; and asecond screen disposed between the conical fluid collection chamber andthe open outlet ends of the compartments, the second screen retainingparticles in the compartments and preventing particles in thecompartments from entering the conical collection chamber.
 2. Thecartridge of claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartments are alignedin parallel.
 3. The cartridge of claim 1 further comprising a pluralityof adsorbent particles wherein the compartments are substantially filledwith the adsorbent particles and wherein the particles adsorb impuritiesfrom a medical or biological fluid flowing therethough.
 4. The cartridgeof claim 3, wherein the particles are porous.
 5. The cartridge of claim1 further comprising a plurality of particles wherein the compartmentsare substantially filled with the particles and wherein the particlescomprise one or more of activated charcoal, urease, zirconium phosphate,hydrous zirconium oxide and activated carbon.
 6. The cartridge of claim1 further comprising a plurality of particles wherein the compartmentsare substantially filled with the particles and wherein the particlescomprise each of activated charcoal, urease, zirconium phosphate,hydrous zirconium oxide and activated carbon.
 7. The cartridge of claim1 wherein the input end further comprises a first removable cap. 8.cartridge of claim 1 wherein the outlet end comprises a second removablecap.
 9. The cartridge of claim 1 further comprising a fluid pumpconnected to the input end.
 10. The cartridge of claim 9 wherein thefluid pump is a shuttle pump.
 11. A filtering apparatus for medical orbiological fluid comprising: a container housing defining a innerchamber having a chamber wall and an input end and an outlet end, thecontainer housing having an inner chamber length from the input end tothe outlet end such that the inner chamber width is at least three timeslarger than the inner chamber length, the inner chamber length measuredin the general direction of fluid flow through the filtering apparatusbetween the input end and the outlet end; a first cap removably andsealingly attached to the input end of the container housing, the firstcap having a substantially flat outer wall and an inner wall, the innerwall defining an inwardly opening conical fluid distribution chamberhaving a fluid inlet at the apex of the conical fluid distributionchamber; a second cap removably and sealingly attached to the outlet endof the container housing, the second cap having a substantially flatouter wall and an inner wall, the inner wall defining an inwardlyopening conical fluid collection chamber having a fluid outlet at theapex of the conical fluid collection chamber; a plurality of fluidpermeable separators extending inwardly from the inner chamber wall andinto the inner chamber and defining a plurality of open endedcompartments inside the container housing wherein solid particles areretained by the separators in the compartments, the compartments eachhaving a compartment length from the input end of the container housingto the outlet end of the container housing, each compartment having afirst open inlet end proximate to the conical fluid distribution chamberand a second open outlet end proximate the conical fluid collectionchamber, each open inlet and outlet end of the compartments having adimension across the open end that is equal to or shorter than thecompartment length; a first screen disposed between the conical fluiddistribution chamber and the open inlet ends of the compartments, thescreen distributing fluid flowing through the inlet and conical fluiddistribution chamber to the open inlet ends of the compartments; and asecond screen disposed between the conical fluid collection chamber andthe open outlet ends of the compartments, the second screen retainingparticles in the compartments and preventing particles in thecompartments from entering the conical fluid collection chamber.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein the first screen is disposed between theconical fluid distribution chamber and the compartments and wherein thefirst screen is removable upon removing the first cap from the containerhousing.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the first screen isdisposed between the conical fluid collection chamber and thecompartments and wherein the second screen is removable upon removingthe second cap from the container housing.
 14. The apparatus of claim 11wherein the fluid inlet and fluid outlet are disposed on a central axisof the container and wherein the compartments are symmetrically arrangedaround the axis.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising asolid particulate adsorption medium and wherein the compartments aresubstantially filled with the solid particulate adsorption medium. 16.The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the filter medium is selected from oneor more of activated charcoal and activated carbon.
 17. The apparatus ofclaim 16 wherein the release material comprises urease.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 15 further comprising a release material thatmodifies impurities in a medical or biological fluid flowing through theapparatus.
 19. A filtering apparatus for medical or biological fluidcomprising: a container housing defining a inner chamber having achamber wall and an input end and an outlet end, the container housinghaving an inner chamber length from the input end to the outlet end suchthat the inner chamber width is at least three times larger than theinner chamber length, the inner chamber length measured in the generaldirection of fluid flow through the filtering apparatus between theinput end and the outlet end; a first cap removeably and sealinglyattached to the input end of the container housing, the first cap havinga substantially flat outer wall and an inner wall, the inner walldefining an inwardly opening conical fluid distribution chamber having afluid inlet at the apex of the conical distribution chamber; a secondcap removeably and sealingly attached to the outlet end of the containerhousing, the second cap having a substantially flat outer wall and aninner wall, the inner wall defining an inwardly opening conical fluidcollection chamber having a fluid outlet at the apex of the conicalcollection chamber; a plurality of fluid permeable separators extendinginwardly from the inner chamber wall and into the inner chamber anddefining a plurality of open ended compartments inside the containerhousing wherein fluid can flow through the separators and between thecompartments and wherein solid particles are retained by the separatorsin the compartments, the compartments each having a compartment lengthfrom the input end of the container housing to the outlet end of thecontainer housing, each compartment having a first open inlet endproximate to the conical fluid distribution chamber and a second openoutlet end proximate the conical collection chamber, each open inlet andoutlet end of the compartments having a dimension across the open endthat is equal to or shorter than the compartment length; a first screendisposed between the conical fluid distribution chamber and the openinlet ends of the compartments, the screen distributing fluid flowingthrough the inlet and conical fluid distribution chamber to the openinlet ends of the compartments; a second screen disposed between theconical fluid collection chamber and the open outlet ends of thecompartments, the second screen retaining particles in the compartmentsand preventing particles in the compartments from entering the conicalcollection chamber; a first plurality of fasteners securing the firstcap to the input end of the container housing with the first screendisposed between the conical fluid distribution chamber and thecompartments and wherein the first screen is removable upon removing thefasteners and removing the first cap from the container housing; and asecond plurality of fasteners securing the second cap to the outlet endof the container housing with the second screen disposed between theconical fluid collection chamber and the compartments and wherein thesecond screen is removable upon removing the fasteners and removing thesecond cap from the container housing.
 20. The cartridge of claim 19wherein the fasteners are arranged around the perimeter of the first andsecond caps.